KP met up with John Howard, Editor at Capitol Weekly to hear about current and future plans for the media outlet. Capitol Weekly, a publication of Open California, covers news, opinions, analysis and features related to California politics, policy and regulations. The online publication maintains about 17,000 readers/30,000 pageviews a month.

Howard is open to hearing story ideas – particularly nuanced, contrarian stories that may be more detailed, but shed light on a bigger picture issue or trend. He says it is better to call him than email with story ideas.

He is especially interested in opinions that aim to persuade, as well as “explainers” from sources who want to describe an untold side of a story. When policy matters are front and center such as the end of the legislative session and expertsaim to express points of view, he will receive up to 5-6 opinions per day. In slow times, like December, the volume is lower at about 1-2 per day. If the op-ed is

well written, novel and supported by facts, he generally runs it with few changes.

He is not heavy-handed in editing – most changes are for style and confirming facts. The opinions should be no more than 750 words, include a one-sentence description of the author and should include the author’s mobile phone number.

Howard shared specifics about Capitol Weekly that might be useful to KP clients and friends:

1. 1)  Quarterly conferences. Capitol Weekly organizes four conferences per year and topics for 2019 will be Health Care, Housing, Tax Policy and the Legacy of Prop 13, and Fire Protection.
2. 2)  Annual Top 100 list. These are not just policymakers. The Top 100 includes influential, behind the scenes players in California politics. Howard notes the selection methodology is not scientific. However, more rigor has been added to the selection process in recent years. Generally, the staff and editorial board start with about 150-200 people and narrow it down.

They will organize another reception this year at Sacramento’s Sutter Club to recognize those named on the list. The event will take place in August, as usual.

3) Politics on Tap. Produced by Capitol Weekly and the California Channel, and sponsored by the Tribal Alliance and California Endowment, the legislative and public affairs program is a 30-minute discussion about topical, timely policy matters. It is hosted by Howard and usually has two experts in a panel-style discussion. Recent topics and subjects include Joe Devlin and Amy Jenkins on cannabis regulation and Ed Emerson and Carol Dahmen on political advance. Howard encourages topic ideas, as well as personalities and experts. He’s particularly interested in recruiting minorities and women for upcoming conversations.

4) Round Up. The Round Up features top headlines on policy matters emanating from Sacramento, and other parts of the state, though it sometimes also includes national matters. It goes out to just under 6000 subscribers per day.

5) Capitol Weekly Podcast. Capitol Weekly kicked off its podcast series in February 2017, offering interviews and analysis with Capitol officials, staff, journalists, and other industry experts.

With a grant from the California State Library, Open California / Capitol Weekly is also producing an innovative Oral History Project to promote the extensive oral history resources available to educators, historians, students and the public. The series includes some living legends in California’s state history such as past San Francisco Federal Judge Thelton Henderson Ronald Reagan’s legislative secretary George Steffes and emeritus professor at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, Brian K. Landsberg.

Howard noted that Capitol Weekly is on firm financial footing and aiming to grow, specifically in its editorial coverage and reporting capabilities. If interested in sponsoring events or advertising, the best contact is Tim Foster, Executive Director (p. 916-444-7665 x102)